Navigating the Ocean of Lent

In this evening’s Vespers service I was drawn into the following hymn:

Your grace has shone forth, O Lord; the illumination of our souls has shone forth. Behold, this is the acceptable season; behold, this is the season of repentance. Let us put away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, so that we may navigate the immense ocean of Lent, and arrive at the third-day Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls.

AGES Digital Chant Stand

The imagery of an “ocean of Lent” was a great expression of what I had experienced in years past. Allow me to explain.

The ocean is deep

Lent is deep.

Spiritual warfare comes in waves

Just when you think you have everything under control something comes and hits you upside the head like a bucket of water.

We need a ship to travel on the ocean

The ocean is no fun if you aren’t in a boat. It’s actually dangerous. Lent doesn’t make sense if you don’t have the Church and the services to carry you along.

Just floating isn’t enough. We have a journey ahead.

So it’s time to push off the pier, get in the boat and chart your course. If you get wet, it’s ok. If your boat tips, all the better. I mean, isn’t starting over one of the best advantages of Lent?

Let fasting be your wind, prayer your sail, repentance your rudder, and charity you compass. Your course has been set. The map is tried and true. Lent has begun.

Bon Voyage!

Published by

admin

Vassi M Haros is a designer, photographer, blogger, wife and mom. She enjoys Southern living and thinks everyone should experience the South's hospitality. Called to serve Christ and the Orthodox Church, Vassi enjoys being able to offer note cards with an Orthodox Voice. She hopes you enjoy her photos and cards.
View all posts by admin